Denver Home Sharing Club members attend first merchant walk

Denver’s home sharing club recently held its first-ever merchant walk. As part of the tour, a group of hosts visited ten businesses along the South Broadway corridor in the Baker neighborhood. Broadway Street has a bunch of small boutique shops and restaurants that are locally owned – some of which have been operating for the past 35 years.

Hosts began the walk at Punch Bowl Social, a restaurant and bar with a wide variety of games and entertainment. Punch Bowl Social has it all — bowling alleys, a 16-person foosball table, karaoke rooms, and even a rare arcade video game called “Killer Queens.” According to Event Sales Manager Sarah McCoy, the video machine is the world’s only 10-player arcade game and is one of a dozen that still exists in the United States.

Hopping over to Sweet Action Ice Cream, hosts sampled delectable ice cream flavors. The creamery sources local ingredients and flavors change depending on the season. Some of these unique flavors include sour cherry, peach, sweet corn, green chili, and even one after the popular Easter-season candy, Peeps!

Gildar Gallery’s owner and director, Adam Gildar, then greeted the host club at his art gallery and introduced the current exhibit from local artist, Dmitri Obergfell. Hosts found the artist’s use of color-changing paint as pieces changed from an iridescent purple to a metallic blue fascinating. Adam explained the idea behind Obergfell’s artwork, informing hosts that Dmitri wanted to portray visual stories about time and space through the use of various modern, common pieces and symbols. This is a great local art gallery for Airbnb guests traveling to Denver!

The walk ended with a happy hour gathering at Beatrice & Woodsley. The group’s server, Sam, explained the menu in detail and said it changes according to the season. Hosts enjoyed cocktails and small plates while talking to general manager, Paul, about the inspiration behind the restaurant. He also took hosts on a tour of their private event space which is perfect for an intimate gathering with friends or family.

Other businesses visited during the merchant walk included: Pie Hole, Mutiny Information Cafe, Leña, Hope Tank, Metropolis Coffee, and The Hi Dive. For host Buffy Gilfoil, the walk was an opportunity to learn more about her old neighborhood, “I lived nearby for several years so it was interesting to see how the area has evolved. Now I’m thinking of organizing a merchant walk in the area where I live!”